Neil Diamond Seeks Radical Brain Treatment In Fight Against Parkinson’s
January 31, 2018Neil Diamond Seeks Radical Brain Treatment In Fight Against Parkinson’s
Neil Diamond is seeking a miracle cure for Parkinson’s disease — and considering risky brain surgery to save his career — and his life.
The disease has made it too difficult for the 77-year-old to travel, prompting him to retire from performing.
Now, the “Sweet Caroline” songster is considering undergoing a procedure, known as deep brain stimulation, that’s helped fellow Parkinson’s sufferer Michael J. Fox.
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“Neil has seen how the surgery has prolonged Michael’s quality of life, and believes it might be the answer for him as well,” revealed a source close to the “Cracklin’ Rosie” singer.
“He knows that, at his age, Parkinson’s could advance very, very quickly,” continued the source. “Brain surgery may be the only thing that could slow down the progression of the disease — and give him a few more years.”
Fox, 56, was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s in 1991, and went public with his diagnosis in 1998.
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Later that year, the Back to the Future star underwent a thalamotomy, a risky brain surgery aimed at managing symptoms of the disease.
“Surgeons drilled into the right side of his brain to alleviate tremors,” said a source. “Michael’s physical condition today, after waging war with the disease for 26 years, is incredible.”
The actor was encouraged to have the surgery again in 2010, but refused out of fear it would leave him worse off.
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But major new discoveries — many funded by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research — have dramatically improved his condition.
One new drug regimen, for example, has been very successful in controlling the kind of spasms that could end Diamond’s career.
“Neil is inspired by Michael,” said the source. “He’s willing to follow his lead through any treatment that may extend his life and allow him to perform again.”
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